Governor Adeleke Unharmed After Suspected Attack on Convoy in Osun State
OSOGBO, Osun State — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State narrowly escaped harm on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, after suspected gunmen launched a coordinated attack on his motorcade shortly after he departed from the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.
The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, triggered a 15-minute gunfight between the assailants and security personnel attached to the governor’s convoy, leaving the area in a state of heightened tension.
The attack occurred just hours after Governor Adeleke received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the commission’s state headquarters in Osogbo, marking his official confirmation as the winner of the recent Osun State governorship election.
The governor’s visit to the Ataoja’s palace, where he was received by the traditional ruler, took place at approximately 3:15 p.m. His entourage arrived in a motorcade comprising 20 vehicles.
Eyewitness Account Details Sequence of Events
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity for security reasons, provided a detailed account of the day’s events to News Week Nigeria.
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According to the source, Governor Adeleke and his delegation were warmly received by Oba Oyetunji upon their arrival at the palace. During the visit, the governor formally presented his Certificate of Return to the traditional ruler before departing the premises.
“The governor was received with full traditional rites. He presented his Certificate of Return to the Ataoja and left the palace in good spirits. However, shortly after his convoy departed, we heard gunshots. It was chaotic for a while, but thankfully, the governor was safely away from the scene,” the eyewitness recounted.
The sudden eruption of gunfire followed the governor’s motorcade as it exited the palace grounds. Suspected thugs, whose identities remain undisclosed, reportedly opened fire on the convoy, prompting a fierce response from security operatives assigned to protect the governor. The exchange lasted between 12 and 15 minutes, casting a pall of fear over the immediate vicinity of the Ataoja’s palace and surrounding areas.
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Security Agencies to Launch Investigation
As of the time of filing this report, the motives behind the attack and the identities of the suspected assailants have not been officially confirmed. Security agencies, including the Osun State Police Command and other relevant authorities, are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
The attack comes on the heels of Governor Adeleke’s re-election victory in the Osun State governorship poll, which was certified by INEC. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the state, particularly in the aftermath of a highly contested election process. Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the attack or any potential suspects.